What is a conservation district?

South Dakota's conservation districts were organized 75 years ago by vote of the people in each district. They are similar to other local units of government such as school boards or counties. Each of the state's 69 districts is governed by a board of five non-partisan supervisors who are elected by the public.

In South Dakota, conservation districts are a sub-division of state government. Their purpose is to coordinate assistance from all available resources - public and private, local, state and federal - in an effort to develop locally led solutions to natural resources concerns. The goal of conservation districts is to improve the quality of life for every South Dakotan.

How do conservation districts benefit you?

• They provide local conservation leadership, teach the value of natural resources and encourage conservation efforts.
• They implement conservation practices that maintain the health of our air, land, water, plans and animals.
• They conserve and restore wetlands that purify water and provide habitat for birds, fish and numerous other animals.
• They protect groundwater resources that provide much of South Dakota's drinking water.
• They plant trees and other land covers, and encourage others to do so, to prevent soil erosion, protect air quality, provide cover for wildlife and beauty neighborhoods.